Anime, also known as Japanimation, encompasses hand-drawn and computer-generated animation originating from Japan. The term "anime" is derived from the English word "animation," and within Japan, it broadly refers to all forms of animated media. Outside Japan, however, "anime" specifically denotes Japanese-originated animation or a style of animation popularized outside Japan, characterized by vibrant graphics, expressive characters, and fantastical themes. This cultural nuance allows for the possibility that anime produced outside Japan may also fall under this definition. The history of Japanese animation dates back to as early as 1917, with the 1960s seeing the emergence of a distinctive art style pioneered by Osamu Tezuka. This style gained international popularity throughout the latter half of the 20th century, cultivating a large domestic and global fanbase. Anime is distributed through various channels, including theatrical screenings, television broadcasts, direct-to-home media, and online streaming platforms. While many anime works are original creations, a significant number are adaptations of Japanese manga, light novels, or video games. The production techniques and technologies used in anime have evolved over time in response to advancing technology. As a multimedia art form, anime integrates graphic art, storytelling, cinematography, and other creative methods to craft compelling visual narratives. Notably, anime often emphasizes the realism of environments and employs sophisticated camera techniques such as panning, zooming, and varied angles, rather than focusing solely on fluid movement. Diverse artistic styles are evident across anime, with character designs ranging from exaggerated, large-eyed characters to more proportionally realistic depictions. The genre encompasses a wide array of themes and is targeted at both broad and niche audiences, resulting in a rich, multifaceted landscape. Additionally, terms like "wapanese" and "weeaboo" have emerged in the United States to describe fans—particularly White individuals—who have a strong fascination with Japanese culture and anime. "Wapanese" originally referred to White people aspiring to emulate Japanese culture, while "weeaboo" is a more recent slang term used to describe individuals exhibiting intense enthusiasm for Japanese anime and related subcultures.
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